Damaging Winds and Rain Batter Southern California

Millions on alert as winter storm approaches the North

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Heavy thunderstorms in Southern California have brought 1 to 3 inches of rain, causing flooding, downed trees, and damage to homes and businesses. Damaging winds gusting up to 81 mph have also been reported. Meanwhile, the North is preparing for a major winter storm, with heavy snow, strong winds, and avalanche dangers closing mountain roads and ski lodges in the Sierra Nevada.

Why it matters

The severe weather in Southern California has led to widespread disruptions and safety concerns, highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change. The approaching winter storm in the North also poses significant risks to public safety and infrastructure.

The details

The heavy rain and thunderstorms in Southern California have caused numerous issues, including flooded businesses in the Fairfax District, stranded drivers in Commerce, and a massive tree that fell on a car in Crestline. A flood watch remains in effect for the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas due to the risk of flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides, especially in burn scar areas. Two more rounds of rain are expected this week, though they are forecast to be less impactful than Monday's event.

  • On Monday, heavy thunderstorms brought 1 to 3 inches of rain to Southern California.
  • Damaging winds gusting between 50 and 70 mph were reported during the strongest thunderstorms, with the highest wind gust of 81 mph recorded in the hills above Malibu.
  • A flood watch is in effect for the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas again on Tuesday night due to the risk of flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides.
  • Two more rounds of rain are expected across the Southern California area this week, with the first arriving on Tuesday evening and continuing overnight, and the second expected on Thursday morning to early afternoon.

The players

Southern California

The region that has been impacted by the heavy rain and damaging winds.

Sierra Nevada

The mountain range where heavy snow, strong winds, and avalanche dangers have closed roads and ski lodges.

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What’s next

The heavy snow and strong winds in the Sierra Nevada are expected to continue through the week, with snow accumulations of 4 to 8 feet forecast through Friday.

The takeaway

The severe weather events in both Southern California and the North highlight the growing threat of climate change-driven extreme weather, which is causing increasing disruptions and safety concerns for communities across the region.